Medicines information in New Zealand: current services and future potential.

AIM: To determine the current availability and role of medicines information services in New Zealand. METHOD: A 36-question online survey was used to collect quantitative data about four areas of medicines information service provision: structure, availability, users and governance. The pharmacy service leader of each of the 29 public hospitals was invited by e-mail to participate. If considered appropriate, another member of the pharmacy staff could be nominated to complete the survey on their behalf. RESULTS: The response rate was 93% (n=27). All respondents accept medicines information questions from health professionals within their local hospital, with a large proportion (85%) also accepting questions from health professionals from primary care. However, active promotion of medicines information services is rare, and health professionals within local hospitals are the most frequent service users. Although six hospitals have a formal service with dedicated staff, medicines information provision by hospital pharmacists in New Zealand is predominantly informal. CONCLUSION: The full potential of formal medicines information services is yet to be realised in New Zealand. Greater national co-ordination could enhance access to medicines information support and contribute positively to the safe and effective use of medicines across the health system.